Judgment Day #3 - ALL CLEAR - May 14, 2009

Hello and thanks to one and all for reading along, caring, and praying or sending alternative forms of positive energy. Mixed with my complementary therapies, we have a resounding success in the form of an ALL CLEAR today. Only thing to wait for is the lab result from the urine cytology and FISH tests. So today we have the CT scan results showing nothing of concern, a urine exam for bacteria, blood, and/or tissue all clear, and a visual inspection via cystoscope also all clear. With the lab results next week we should be able to declare me cancer free for a year minus a few days, but close enough! The doc confirmed that he will go to every six months on the BCG, so no treatments this time, and then another scope to be followed (if all goes well) by 3 BCG treatments in September. Until then, I am free from medical obligations.

So let the celebration begin! We got some fresh fish at the market for dinner tonight, and some very expensive cheeses to use as appetizers. This was truly an awesome birthday present.

We left about noon for our 1:15PM appointment. We had to pick through two construction areas on different freeways to get to the doc's office, so we left earlier than usual. Arrived at about 1:05 and was into the exam room by 1:15. Urine provided and checked, I hopped on the table to await the doc. He came in and told me the X-rays showed a minor scar on the kidney, but nothing at all to be concerned about. One thing was different this time. While the office has four doctors, they have only one video-cystoscope, and today was the first time my scope day had lined up with Dr. Hopkins turn to use the video. So Kathryn and I both got to watch the whole thing live and in color. Counter-intuitively it was not "yucky" at all, and being engrossed in watching distracted me from the discomfort so much that the stress balls were not even needed. The doc took his time and explained what we were seeing, which was a pretty healthy looking bladder. One unusual area near the ureter where one tumor had been, and a tiny pink spot that most likely came from the scope bumping into the bladder wall with its hot lamp. Dr. Hopkins assured me that it was nothing of concern, as CIS spots look much different - he described them as "velvety." The narrated video tour made the exam take two minutes instead of one, but no discomfort at all. Of course, urination is fire-y today and likely tomorrow, but that's the price of admission to this club! I got a copy of the CT report from the radiologist, a single antibiotic pill to take prophylactically, and we were on our way. Maybe next time I will request a video of the procedure for the hardcore blog readers out there...

All's well that ends well, and Judgment Day #3 is now in the books - ALL CLEAR!!

5 comments:

Asya said...

Steve, I can't tell you how happy I am for your great news. Way to go. You know all the things you've been doing to improve your health (no matter how hated :) ) must have contributed in however small ways, and you can rightfully celebrate and enjoy this day.

Here's to hoping for more of these days for all of us be it in three months, six months, a year or many years...

dtaz said...

Steve
Praise the Lord! What a great way to come in to the summer months. We need to go for a ride some weekend. You call and I will be ready to go.
Dan

Anonymous said...

Hey Steve

That's great news, God is good. now you can relax and enjoy life a bit more with out worry.
pray that my cysto goes well on June 18.

Keith

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you! I have been reading your blog since I was diagnosed last August and it has been a lifeline at times!

Ron said...

Steve, congrulations! I go for my six month followup in June, and am going in with the same upbeat attitude as you. In that sense, you are a mentor.

Ron